Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:36 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach when the report of the InterDepartmental Committee on the Islands will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13162/95]
Written Answers. - Report on the Islands.
The terms of reference of the Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on Island Development are: "To review and prioritise development strategies and recommend on actions to ensure a co-ordinated approach to all aspects of island development, including the question of structural relationships."
A number of meetings have been held and a draft report has now been prepared.
Members of the Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on Island Development will meet with representatives of Comhdháil Oileánn na hÉireann later this week as part of the ongoing consultative process involved in drawing up the report. Comhdháil will have the opportunity to make a verbal presentation to the committee and to discuss with committee members further details of the key issues affecting the island communities that they represent.
The committee's report shall be completed by the end of October and will then be presented to Government.
I should add that, in my capacity as Chairperson of the Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on Island Development I recently met Ms Wulf Mathies, the European Union's Commissioner for Regional Affairs. The meeting was constructive and informative and discussions on island access and island development strategies took place which will be reflected in the report.